The 7 Best Episodes of American Horror Story Ranked

American Horror Story, created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, has revolutionized the television horror genre over its twelve-season run by presenting daring anthology storylines and captivating performances. This series, which explores haunting settings such as haunted houses, asylums, and witch covens, among others, offers distinct narratives that occasionally intertwine in unexpected manners. Moreover, with a constantly changing roster of top-tier talent bringing new characters to life each season, AHS has left an indelible mark on viewers with its many unforgettable moments. The series’ knack for reinventing itself while maintaining high-quality output has garnered it numerous awards, particularly for its exceptional ensemble cast, led by Jessica Lange, who received two Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her remarkable transformative roles across different seasons.

Each installment of “American Horror Story” stands out distinctly, making it tough to draw parallels between episodes from various backdrops. However, certain episodes excel more than others in demonstrating the series’ ability to challenge norms while weaving chilling and emotionally impactful narratives. Here are seven episodes that showcase “American Horror Story” at its finest, arranged based on their impact.

7) “The Name Game” (Asylum, Episode 10)

In a striking hour during the gloomy second installment of “American Horror Story,” Sister Jude (played by Jessica Lange) offers an unforgettable moment with a bizarre musical rendition of “The Name Game” post-electroshock therapy. This scene offers a disquieting yet intriguing respite from the darkness, showcasing Lange’s impressive acting skills while emphasizing her character’s mental decline. Throughout this episode, there’s a delicate blend of fear and empathy as Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe) reaches her heartbreaking end when Monsignor Howard (Joseph Fiennes) vanquishes the devil tormenting her. Meanwhile, Dr. Arden (James Cromwell) grapples with his faith following a close encounter with extraterrestrials involving Kit (Evan Peters). Simultaneously, Lana (Sarah Paulson) persists in her desperate struggle for life. This episode masterfully embodies the complex examination of sanity, faith, and redemption found within “Asylum” by merging supernatural terror with deeply human stories.

6) “Bitchcraft” (Coven, Episode 1)

The thrilling debut of Coven instantly sets the tone for the season as young witch Zoe Benson (Taissa Farmiga) uncovers her lethal ability and arrives at Miss Robichaux’s Academy. Here, she encounters an intriguing assortment of characters, such as Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts), a telekinetic movie star; Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe), a human voodoo doll with a queenly title; and Nan (Jamie Brewer), a clairvoyant. They all are under the vigilant gaze of Headmistress Cordelia Foxx (Sarah Paulson). The episode bursts into life when Supreme witch Fiona Goode (Jessica Lange) makes her entrance, driven by her desperate pursuit of eternal youth that leads her to revive the still-living Madame Delphine LaLaurie (Kathy Bates), a notorious 19th-century socialite with a dark past. With its fashionable aesthetics and incisive dialogue, “Bitchcraft” expertly lays the groundwork for the season’s investigation into power, lineage, and the cost of immortality.

5) “Smoldering Children” (Murder House, Episode 10)

In this chilling episode, Violet (Taissa Farmiga) uncovers an unsettling fact: she’s been deceased for several days, with Tate (Evan Peters) concealing her decaying corpse in the cellar. This revelation compels both the character and viewers to reassess everything that preceded it, as flashbacks provide insights into Tate’s tumultuous bond with his mother Constance (Jessica Lange) and the tormented Larry (Denis O’Hare). Meanwhile, Ben (Dylan McDermott) and Vivien (Connie Britton) grapple with the house’s dark essence. This episode masterfully combines personal sorrow and supernatural terror, encapsulating why Murder House enthralled audiences from the get-go. The judicious blend of emotional desolation and gothic terror generates a tempest that sets the series’ course.

4) “Return to Murder House” (Apocalypse, Episode 6)

In this new episode, Emma Roberts as Madison Montgomery and Billy Porter as Behold Chablis delve into the notorious Murder House to uncover Michael Langdon’s (Cody Fern) past. They come face-to-face with spirits of previous residents like Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange), Ben Harmon (Dylan McDermott), and Vivien Harmon (Connie Britton). This encounter sheds light on the chilling origins of the Antichrist, offering a terrifying glimpse into his early life. Moreover, this episode ties up loose ends in character arcs, particularly with the heartwarming reunion of Tate (Evan Peters) and Violet (Taissa Farmiga). The hour demonstrates that revisiting old seasons can actually strengthen their impact when approached thoughtfully and with a deep appreciation for the original content.

3) “Orphans” (Freak Show, Episode 10)

This hour of the series is particularly moving, as it delves into Pepper’s (Naomi Grossman) heartrending transformation from cherished member of Elsa Mars‘ (Jessica Lange) circus family to a patient at Briarcliff Asylum. Following the loss of her husband Salty (Christopher Neiman), Pepper experiences a devastating betrayal when her sister Rita (Mare Winningham) falsely accuses her of a heinous crime, resulting in her commitment to Briarcliff. The story culminates in a bittersweet ending as Pepper forms a bond with Sister Mary Eunice (Lily Rabe), creating an emotional link between seasons that underscores the show’s knack for finding deep humanity amidst horror. Through outstanding acting and meticulous attention to detail, the episode enhances the relationships between seasons while providing a thought-provoking exploration of family, acceptance, and society’s treatment of the unconventional.

2) “Could It Be… Satan?” (Apocalypse, Episode 4)

In this crucial installment, we delve deeply into the enigmatic ascent of Michael Langdon (Cody Fern) within the mystical realm, as the sorcerers from Hawthorne School confront Cordelia Goode’s (Sarah Paulson) dominance. Michael showcases his unparalleled power by accomplishing feats deemed impossible, rescuing Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe) from the Hotel Cortez and Madison Montgomery (Emma Roberts) from her retail torment. His supernatural prowess compels Cordelia to grapple with a chilling prospect: the foretold Alpha, who could outshine all Supreme witches, has manifested. By seamlessly blending elements from past seasons and scrutinizing power struggles, the episode heightens suspense while broadening the series’ mythology in significant ways.

1) “Madness Ends” (Asylum, Episode 13)

The final episode of ‘Asylum’ is undeniably its most impressive moment, skillfully merging various timeframes into a poignant exploration of endurance and atonement. Characterized by Sarah Paulson’s portrayal of Lana Winters’ transformation from tenacious reporter to resilient survivor, it serves as an outstanding lesson in extended narrative storytelling. Kit (Evan Peters) offers Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) a tranquil exit before her passing, while Lana is compelled to face her son Johnny (Dylan McDermott), born from the assault inflicted by Oliver Thredson (Zachary Quinto). The unique fusion of horror and empathy, coupled with its sensitive treatment of pain and recovery, results in a deeply moving finale that respects each character’s development. This episode encapsulates everything that makes ‘American Horror Story’ extraordinary—memorable acting, intricate plotting, and the knack for finding hope amidst the gloomiest situations.

2025-01-20 22:40